a filter sock can work but needs to be kept clean often. if your going to run carbon ( and i suggest you do ) i recommend using a reactor and running a phosban reactor too. personally i dont even use filter socks, and i wouldnt put any pads/filter floss or anything of the sort because it will trap detritus. when it comes down to it, get the best protein skimmer you can afford (if not even alittle more, and read online reviews as some are golden and others garbage.) i would just do a skimmer section, return pump section and a refugium section. i dont know if you have seen this, http://www.fishforum.com/member-subm...g-sumps-15930/ but it may help.

Pasfur

05-28-2009 11:10 PM

I am very pleased with the ASM G3 Skimmer on my 180, for what its worth.

I differ slightly from OF2F when it comes to mechanical filtration. I would never use mechanical filtration on a reef, but for a FOWLR I think it can be beneficial just to remove larger particulates that might otherwise not be introduced into the skimmer. In a reef system this could cause the calcium / alkalinity relationship to be more difficult to maintain, but the calcium depletion in a FOWLR is much less of a problem, so I personally feel comfortable with mechanical filtration and weekly cleaning or replacement.

onefish2fish

05-28-2009 11:43 PM

you are correct, a FOWLR is alittle more forgiving however i personally would rather avoid all of that if i was doing one. besides im lazy and rather would do a small 5 gallon water change or clean the skimmer bucket then clean out a filter or wash a filter sock.

MT1071

05-29-2009 03:20 PM

Protein skimmer is H&S 200-1260 Internal Protein Skimmer up to 300g hopefully it will do the trick! So if I run no filters what happens if a piece of krill or something gets sucked up into skimmer or return pump ?? and if i run filters just clean them often ??
Thanks for the great info and link on sumps going to read up !!

Pasfur

05-29-2009 06:37 PM

That is a nice skimmer you have. Hopefully, assuming you are feeding appropriately, there aren't to many times when a chunk of krill will go uneaten. I can't really say this type of problem occurs in my marine aquariums...

MT1071

05-31-2009 10:24 PM

Well I bought a filter sock hooked it up to temporary sump, cut out all the micro bubbles (sweet)! With in four days had to clean it used the hose outside wasnt to time consuming lol. So I think in going to include sock filter into the new sump design.
Should i grow cheato algae or something in sump ??
thanks again

Whats the length of your sump ? I have a 30 gallon tank 36 12 18, I was going to use it but not alot of room. I might have to go bigger..
Whats the requirements to grow chaeto ? lights on off, water flow ,ect ?
thanks for all the great info ...

onefish2fish

06-01-2009 10:42 PM

im using a 40 breeder. my skimmer sits outside of my sump so my skimmer section only has to fit a pump to feed it. chaeto will grow with a 6500K full spectrum bulb ( you can use a clip work lamp ) i personally run my sump light when the tank lights are out and off when the tank lights are on (reverse cycle) this is to lower any pH swings. honestly the bigger the sump the better IMO. a used 55 would be nice :wink: even the rubber made stock tanks (thick plastic tubs that come in like 75,100,150 gallon sizes but you cant really baffle them) if you can hide it in the basement or another room.